Leadership Skill Development in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Education

Background: To build public awareness of the distinct value of occupational therapy, leadership skill development is an essential component of entry-level education. Specific educational leadership competencies are identified... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
To build public awareness of the distinct value of occupational therapy, leadership skill development is an essential component of entry-level education. Specific educational leadership competencies are identified by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2011) and other accrediting bodies.

Educational Philosophy or theory:
Application of Transformative Learning Theory supports leadership skill development as it promotes significant changes in thinking, is applicable across settings, and facilitates lifelong learning.

Pedagogy/educational approach(es) used:
This presentation describes strategies to develop, deliver and evaluate curricular components designed to address the primary goal of a U.S. based entry-level occupational therapy program: to graduate practitioners who will become leaders and advocates in the profession. This goal is achieved, in part, through the program’s Leadership and Management class which utilizes leadership-oriented guest lectures, an extensive program development project, and creation of a professional learning plan.

Evaluation:
Multiple sources of data support the described approach to leadership training. The results of a program evaluation, which students complete upon graduation, indicate that students feel prepared to use leadership skills in practice.

Application to Education and /or practice:
This presentation highlights the value of raising students’ awareness of the importance of leadership to occupational therapy practice and the design of transformative learning experiences to interface with current occupational therapy leaders, apply skills, and reflect on future leadership opportunities.

References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2011) 2011 Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Standards and Interpretive Guide, Bethesda: AOTA. Available at: https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/EducationCareers/Accredit/Standards/2011-Standards-and-Interpretive-Guide.pdf (Accessed: 29 October 2015).